A COFFIN MAKERS has put forward expansion plans which will allow them to stay in a town it has called home for almost 60 years.

L. T. & R Vowles has revealed proposals to open a new warehouse on land off Station Road in Upton-upon-Severn which allow the casket manufactures to move from Newbridge Green and remain in the area.

The coffin maker, which moved from Gloucester to Upton in 1963 and currently employs around 30 people, is looking to move headquarters as the lease is about to expire on its current home.

Planning permission to build up to 13 new business units on the land was granted by Malvern Hills District Council in 2019 which would be occupied across two large units by L. T. & R Vowles if the coffin maker moved in.

The size, footprint and layout of the building in the 2019 application would stay the same.

A statement included with the application said: “The company manufacture coffins and are a long-established local employer who presently trade from a site in Newbridge Green, just outside of Upton upon Severn.

“Unfortunately, the lease on the existing premises is due to expire with no option to renew.

“The company are extremely keen to remain operating in the Upton area and employ 30 full time employees from the locality.”

The proposals can be viewed via the planning section of Malvern Hills District Council’s website.

The application number is 21/01275/RM.

Public consultation ends on September 11.